Cpl filter for mavic mini

[Prestonr10]

When using a CPl filter on a mavic mini do you have to change the camera settings ?

 

[Mrveronn]

No, nothing you can change except the exposure compensation and 'lock in' the exposure (at least at the moment, hoping a firmware upgrade, above .400 will allow more manual control).

The CPL is just going to do 'its thing' on the light entering the lens. And if you have a circular polarizer (that can rotate) then there is a polar pro video out there that talks about how to adjust on the ground before taking off. In essence they suggest that you hand hold the drone looking in the direction that you will be shooting, and rotate the CPL until you get the effect that you are looking for...then take off, shoot video and return. Of course if you don't have a pre-planned shot (or list of shots) then this method doesn't really result in a practical procedure. adjust -take off - shoot video-return to home-adjust-take off-shoot video-RTH, repeat. Not great. But this type of CPL filter gives you some option to adjust the 'effect' of the polarization.

If you have a polarizer filter that does not adjust, then its essentially just meant to reduce light entering the camera and cut down on some glare/reflections. Best to try it out and see if you like the results...sometimes flying with it, sometimes leaving it in your drone bag. The extra blue in the sky can be nice...

 

[WithTheBirds]

No, nothing you can change except the exposure compensation and 'lock in' the exposure (at least at the moment, hoping a firmware upgrade, above .400 will allow more manual control).

The CPL is just going to do 'its thing' on the light entering the lens. And if you have a true circular polarizer (that can rotate) then there is a polar pro video out there that talks about how to adjust on the ground before taking off. In essence they suggest that you hand hold the drone looking in the direction that you will be shooting, and rotate the CPL until you get the effect that you are looking for...then take off, shoot video and return. Of course if you don't have a pre-planned shot (or list of shots) then this method doesn't really result in a practical procedure. adjust -take off - shoot video-return to home-adjust-take off-shoot video-RTH, repeat. Not great.

But if you have a true CPL then at least you have the option to adjust the 'strength' of the polarization.

If you have a polarizer filter that does not adjust, then its essentially just meant to reduce light entering the camera and cut down on some glare/reflections. Best to try it out and see if you like the results...sometimes flying with it, sometimes leaving it in your drone bag. The extra blue in the sky can be nice...

The “C” in CPL has nothing to do with the effect changing when the filter is manually rotated.

A CPL is simply a polarising filter with another element sandwiches behind it to change the polarised light to circular polarisation. The benefit is it will allow light metering and/or auto focus to work properly (for some cameras that are fooled by polarised light). It has no effect on the visual effect. Both CPL and PL filters will vary in performance when rotated in a substantially similar manner.

 

[allenface]

When using a CPl filter on a mavic mini do you have to change the camera settings ?

No. The auto iris function will take care of the light lost. There are two types of polarizer...Circular (CPL) and Linear. The Linear is typically for larger format cameras and there’s not option to adjust the polarization other than rotating the filter mount, which generally is a Matt box. CPL’s are mounted in a ring that allows one to actually rotate the filter, those finding the sweet spot for maximum effect. Bear that in mind before you go airborne. Point your camera at a cloud and rotate the filters until the cloud becomes well defined. If it’s cloudless, point the camera towards the sky opposite the sun and rotate the filter until the sky becomes darker or saturated.

 

[Thanev]

No. The auto iris function will take care of the light lost. There are two types of polarizer...Circular (CPL) and Linear. The Linear is typically for larger format cameras and there’s not option to adjust the polarization other than rotating the filter mount, which generally is a Matt box. CPL’s are mounted in a ring that allows one to actually rotate the filter, those finding the sweet spot for maximum effect. Bear that in mind before you go airborne. Point your camera at a cloud and rotate the filters until the cloud becomes well defined. If it’s cloudless, point the camera towards the sky opposite the sun and rotate the filter until the sky becomes darker or saturated.

I agree with checking the setting before flying.Too much polarization can result in a darker(?) area in the center of the shot,becoming lighter on both sides.Use a filter moderately at first,as removing the effect can be troublesome,if not impossible.Contrary to popular belief,the strongest effect is achieved at 90 deg.from the sun,not opposite(180 deg.)the sun.This link may be helpful:
How to Use a Polarizing Filter

 

[WithTheBirds]

No. The auto iris function will take care of the light lost. There are two types of polarizer...Circular (CPL) and Linear. The Linear is typically for larger format cameras and there’s not option to adjust the polarization other than rotating the filter mount, which generally is a Matt box. CPL’s are mounted in a ring that allows one to actually rotate the filter, those finding the sweet spot for maximum effect. Bear that in mind before you go airborne. Point your camera at a cloud and rotate the filters until the cloud becomes well defined. If it’s cloudless, point the camera towards the sky opposite the sun and rotate the filter until the sky becomes darker or saturated.

Unfortunately you are harbouring a common misconception.

There are two common types of polariser used in visible light imaging applications- linear polariser (PL) and linear polariser with a 1/4 wave plate sandwiched directly behind (CPL).

Both need, or at least will benefit from, some means to adjust orientation (rotate) in use to vary the effect. The circular polarising component of the CPL has nothing to do with the visible effect in the resultant images.

It seems you might also not understand how a PL performs, max effect is with the camera pointed 90deg away from the light source, not 180 as you seem to believe.